UOPD arrests library harassment suspect

Submitted by kmciver on Mon, 11/04/2013 - 09:17

A man accused of sexually harassing at least three University of Oregon students was arrested by UO police Sunday and lodged in Lane County Jail. Thomas Matthew Jonas, 24, of Eugene, was charged with harassment and second-degree trespass.

Three women reported to UOPD that a man matching Jonas's description physically harassed them at the Knight Library on October 1, 24 and 31. The women reported that the man claimed to be a massage or sports medicine student from Portland, and then touched their feet in a disturbing and sexual way. In the latter two cases, the women said that he initially ignored their demands for him to stop touching them, and that he appeared to be aroused during the encounters.

The suspect, who has no UO affiliation, was identified by a UOPD public safety officer's investigation, from information provided by two of the victims. Police believe Jonas has been involved with other, similar incidents. Anyone with information should contact UOPD at 541-346-2919.